Figurative Language
Identify the figurative language: “glass, fast, and on BLAST”
It is an onomatopoeia. The word “BLAST” is an onomatopoeia suggesting a sound.
What is the meaning of calamity? Example from the book: “The HUGE bald patch on the side of my head is a dreadful calamity.”
A calamity is an unexpected or undesirable event; often physically injurious.
Which literary device is this: “I am no Pythagoras”
This is an allusion referencing the mathematician, Pythagoras.
Which sound device is this: “The first one is UP and CLANK!”
This is onomatopoeia with the ”clank” sound.
What is the tone here: “The HUGE bald patch on the side of my head is a dreadful calamity”
The tone is disastrous. This happens after JB cuts off to many of Josh’s locks, leading to a disruption.
Identify the figurative language: “This game is like ping-pong, with all the back and forth.”
It is a simile. It compares basketball to ping pong using “like.” It points that both go back and forth.
What is the meaning of this phrase: “I am no Pythagoras”
When Josh says this phrase, he is referring to the fact that he is not extraordinarily smart. He thinks that he is not always right like the mathematicians seem to be.
What is this literary device: “Houston, we have a problem!”
It is an allusion to a common term used by astronauts to say that something has gone wrong. Josh uses it during a basketball game.
What is the rhyme scheme of the quote:
“If my hair were a tree,
I’d climb it.
I’d kneel down beneath
and enshrine it”
The rhyme scheme is ABCB with the words ”climb it” and “enshrine it” rhyming.
What is the tone: “I’m a fly caught in a web. What do I do? Hand over the note, embarrass JB; or hide the note, take the heat. I look at my brother, his forehead a factory of sweat.”
The tone is intense and awkward. This happens when Josh help pass a note from JB to his girlfriend, but Josh gets caught and doesn’t know whether to rat him out or take the blame.
Identify the figurative language: “Listen to that piano, fast and free, just like you and JB on the court.”
It is simile. Josh’s dad compares a piano to him and his brother while playing basketball. He does this using “like.”
What is the meaning of this quote: ”Never let anyone lower your goals. Others’ expectations of you are limited by their limitations of life.”
This means that you shouldn’t be limited by what others say or think of you. People will only think of you as much as they think of themselves. Josh says that this is the 3rd rule of basketball and it should be followed.
Identify the literary device: “Is this Jeopardy or something? What’s with the questions?”
It is Allusion. This allusion refers to the popular show “Jeopardy” and happens while Josh inquires to his dad about his career.
(Except onomatopoeia) Which literary device is this:
”when JB’s soft jumper sails - tick
through the air - tock
The crowd stills, - tick
mouths drop, - tock”
This is a repetition of the words “tick“ and “tock.” These words are being used to emphasize the intensity of the current situation.
What is the tone of this quote: “We won’t stop, can’t stop, till we claim the championship trophy.”
It is determination. Josh is determined to win the basketball championships and he says this.
Identify the figurative language: “your family is the court and the ball is your heart”
It is a metaphor. This metaphor compares parts of basketball to Josh’s family and his heart.
What does pulchritudinous mean? Example from the book: “Every guy in the lunchroom is trying to flirt with the new girl because she is so pulchritudinous.”
Pulchritudinous means having great physical beauty and appeal.
Which literary device is this: “Next to the purple hat is Dad’s small silver safety box”
This is imagery of a purple hat next to a small silver box. Josh sees this when he is in his parents’ closet.
What sound device is this: “Filthy McNasty is MYTHical MANchild of rather dubious distinction”
It is alliteration with the words McNasty, mythical, manchild, dubious, and distinction.
What is the tone:
“The crowd stills, - tick
mouths drop, - tock
and when his last second shot - tick
hits net - tock
the clock stops.
The tone is very suspenseful and dramatic. This is when JB is trying to score a crucial shot during a game.
Identify the figurative language: “See, when I play ball, I’m on fire.”
It is an idiom. The phrase “I’m on fire” is the idiom, which means that he is doing great or really well.
What does this phrase mean or represent: In this game of life your family is the court and the ball is your heart. No matter how good you are, no matter how down you get, always leave your heart on the court.”
This phrase represents Josh’s connection between basketball and life. It says that like you always leave the ball on the court, you must put your heart with you family.
What literary device do these quotes show: “The inside of Mom and Dad’s bedroom closet is off limits” and “Dad’s small silver safety box with the key in the lock and practically begging me to open it, so I do”
These quote shows irony. Josh’s parents say that their closet is off limits, so people expect Josh to not open it and look around. However, he opens it anyway, showing the contrast between expectations and what happens.
What is this sound device: “Always AGITATING, COMBINATING, and ELEVATING his game. He dribbles, FAKES, then takes the ROCK to the glass, fast, and on BLAST.
This is rhythm. In this part of the story, Josh is using a quick and ecstatic rhythm.
What is the tone here:
”Hustle dig
grind push
run fast
change pivot”
The tone is strength and perseverance. It is a text from Josh’s dad to keep going and harness his strength.